Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Exclusive Interview - Antonina Petkovic

With the Spring/Summer 2014 show season looming fast, Inoubliable Model Army's attention shifts towards determining which new faces will emerge as the season's finest. With each show season, hundreds of newcomers descend upon the fashion capitals in the hopes of snaring prime positions on the runways that matter most. One newcomer whom IMA hopes will snare her lion's share of blue chip bookings is the enigmatic Serbian beauty Antonina Petkovic. Sixteen year old Petkovic possesses that intangible quality that casting directors, designers, and photographers look for in new modelling talent - that elusive and exclusive x factor which differentiates emerging stars from the rest of the pack. Debuting a year ago at the Spring/Summer 2013 collections in Paris with appearances at Alexis Mabille and Vivienne Westwood, Petkovic's slow burn continued at the Fall/Winter 2013 collections with a show list which included turns at Victoria Beckham, Creatures of the Wind, Sportmax, Akris, and Paul & Joe. Petkovic's alluring combination of graceful elegance and tomboy androgyny has model pundits hailing her as the new Freja Beha. With a shaggy, nape-grazing haircut, adorable puppy dog brown eyes, and slender attenuated limbs, the comparisons between the two might seem inevitable. What IMA finds most compelling though about Petkovic is her insouciant nature and her seemingly effortless cool factor both on and off the runway. Petkovic's appeal lies in her uncontrived, natural beauty and the fact that she just simply is.

Inoubliable Model Army (IMA): Hi Antonina, thank you for taking timeout with Inoubliable Model Army. You were one of the most memorable new faces of the Fall/Winter 2013 season where you logged an impressive show tally of 20 bookings. Were you pleased with how things progressed and what were your personal highlights of the past season?

AP: I'm very happy, because I met some really nice people during the show season. Getting to know people from all over the world was probably the highlight for me.

IMA: Would you mind sharing a bit of your backstory with IMA's readership?

AP: I'm 16 right now and I come from Serbia. When I was little, one of my wishes was to become a model, so one day when I saw the advertisement for Elite Model Look Serbia, I decided to try out. I won 3rd place in Serbia and my career started from there.

IMA: Tell us a little about your hometown in Serbia. What do you miss most about home and what do your family and friends in Serbia think about your career as a globe-trotting model?

AP: My hometown is Cacak, which is a simple little town. I miss my family and friends the most, but they support me and they love what I'm doing. Many of them always go online and look for my new pictures after shows or photo shoots!

IMA: You recently relocated to New York, have you gotten used to the fast paced New York lifestyle and what are your impressions so far of the city?

AP: I got used to New York City really fast, especially the subway system. It's very easy to navigate, and I love the people and the overall energy here.

Polaroid Courtesy of The Society Management

Polaroid Courtesy of The Society Management

IMA: Last season you did tremendously well. Did you have the opportunity to meet any other Serbian models during the shows and to share the experience of being some of the only Serbians to achieve recognition on the international modelling circuit?

AP: I met another newcomer, Mijo Mihaljcic during the shows, but we didn't know each other before. I think it's wonderful to have someone who speaks your language, especially during the busy times, and I hope that we all find success.

IMA: Your defiant tomboyish androgynous look has drawn comparisons to top model Freja Beha Erichsen. Are you familiar with Freja as a model and has your look and sense of style evolved much since you began modelling?

AP: Yes, I know of Freja, but I haven't met her yet... I hope I will someday! My sense of style has changed a lot since I first started modelling. I definitely wear a lot more black now than before, and I feel that becoming a model pushed me to grow up faster as a person.

IMA: With so many newcomers looking to breakthrough each season, what factors do you feel are essential for making a favourable impression on designers and casting directors during Fashion Week?

AP: I think being yourself is the most important thing, because casting directors and designers want to see the real "you" above all else. There are so many girls trying out for the same spots as you, so making a strong, honest impression is the best.

IMA: What do you feel are the most challenging aspects that you face as a model, and if there was one aspect of the industry that you could change, what would that be?

AP: For me, the most challenging things are the heels, because we have to wear so many different ones in such short periods of times. If I could change one thing, it would be that all fashion week castings would take place at the same location! But this is unlikely to happen...

IMA: What are you modelling hopes and dreams, and do you have your sights set on any key modelling assignments?

AP: I think every model would love to be on a cover of Vogue or to book a big campaign for an important designer. I don't have one special designer in mind... I would be honoured no matter what brand it is!

IMA: You hair was recently cut into a shaggy nape-grazing bob. How did the decision come about to cut your hair and are you pleased with the end results?

AP: The idea came originally from my agency in Paris, and was carried out when I came to NYC. I just went, "Yes, yes, yes!" I've always wanted a cut like this, and I'm so happy to finally have it.

IMA: Imagine you have a free day to do whatever you please. Tell us what a perfect day in the life of Antonina would entail...?

AP: A great free day would involve being with my family and friends at my house in Serbia. My dad would be cooking for everyone his signature meal called "Sac" which is a dish with meat and vegetables.

IMA: What makes you "Inoubliable" (Unforgettable)?

AP: I'm not sure... you might have to ask other people! But for me, it might be because I'm a very friendly person by nature.

Special thanks to The Society Management NYC and Julie Murat at Elite Model Management Paris. For more information on The Society Management NYC and Elite Model Management Paris, please log onto www.thesocietymanagement.com or www.facebook.com/TheSocietyNYC, and www.elitemodel.fr or www.facebook.com/eliteparis